STAFF

MaggieO'Sullivan

School Leader

Rainier Prep Founding School leader Maggie O’Sullivan has served as a teacher, a para, a coach, and a principal in public schools throughout the Seattle area for over 15 years. A graduate of Bowdoin College, Ms. O’Sullivan also holds a Master’s in Education from Stanford University as well as a Master’s in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University. In addition, she is a graduate of the Danforth Leadership Program at the University of Washington. Early in her career, Ms. O’Sullivan assisted her school’s successful application for the Gates Achievers Scholarship, ensuring 10 years of college funding for low-income students at Foster High School. She also received the Martin Luther King Closing the Achievement Gap award as a principal in Federal Way Public Schools. Her experience working as a teacher at Foster High School and later as a principal in Federal Way inspired her to think differently about what is possible when a group of people commit to changing the odds for all kids.

KarenLobos

Director of Operations

Ms. Lobos is excited to give back to the community in which she grew up and is excited to share with prospective families the unique educational opportunities Rainier Prep has to offer. As a Cohort II Alumna of Rainier Scholars (RS), a First-Generation graduate of Scripps College, and daughter of Latino immigrants, Ms. Lobos understands first-hand the impact a supportive yet challenging academic community can have in the lives of students facing a number of barriers to achieving higher education. Ms. Lobos is currently working on her Masters in Public Administration from the Evans School at the University of Washington.

KamilleDye

Compliance Manager

Kamille Dye is happy to be using her varied education and work experiences to contribute to a school that is both community focused and success driven. While her professional work has primarily been in the world of politics, her focus has always been on empowering communities to support future generations. Kamille’s most recent position had her managing the logistics and operations for a multimillion dollar political campaign with 17 offices in the wilds of Alaska.
Kamille received her Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre from the University of Montana in Missoula where she also studied Psychology and Drama Education. Her professional experience includes time managing a childcare center, acting as a community organizer in her home state of Montana and work in Washington as an in-home child care provider. Kamille is excited to be back in Seattle getting to know her new community and helping students plan for their own life’s adventures.

GiselaMella

Operations Coordinator

Ms. Mella was born and raised in the South Seattle area. She is currently attending Northwest University, where she is working towards her Bachelors in Organizational Management. Ms. Mella is excited to officially join the Rainier Prep team and looks forward to growing alongside the Rainier Prep Community.

NicoAndrade

Operations Manager

Nico Andrade was raised in Seattle his whole life and is very excited to join the Rainier Prep team and be able to give back to the community he was a part of. As a Cohort II alumnus of Rainier Scholars and a part of the Alumni Board, Nico is passionate about promoting success for future generations. After graduating from Union College in Upstate New York with a degree in Psychology, Nico came back to Seattle working in graphic design and consistently volunteering with Rainier Scholars to promote Alumni engagement with the current program. He is eager to help support Rainier Prep and the community and help them create pathways towards success.

JoanHsiao

Chief Financial Officer

Continuing on a fulfilling and lengthy professional path that started in corporate and public finance at First Boston and Lehman Brothers, Joan also brings experience from her time in public sector finance, budget and policy roles with New York City and the Seattle City Council. Most recently, Joan was a 5th grade teacher and then a Historian in Residence in Seattle Public Schools. Joan holds an AB from Harvard and an MPPM from Yale. She is the daughter of immigrants from China who believed deeply in the value of high quality education. She and her husband have three children who are fortunate to have had wonderful educations. Joan is pleased to have the chance to be part of Rainier Prep students' educational lives too.

ScottHicke

Director of Development

Mr. Hicke has enjoyed exploring the Pacific Northwest for the last five years. After teaching science in DC, Philadelphia, and Seattle, he’s excited to introduce Inquiry, design thinking, and problem-based learning at Rainier Prep. He has also worked as a ghostwriter, musician, chemistry researcher, hospital aide, mindfulness coach, hurricane relief worker, librarian, grantwriter, neuroscience teacher, ethics professor, and curriculum consultant. He is really looking forward to helping the 5th and 6th grade develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills—and to learning from the creative solutions his students design. He deeply believes these skills will help Rainier Prep students on their pathway to success in their future adventures.

GabieBrosas

5th Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Brosas joins the Rainier Prep team after completing a year of service with City Year in Seattle’s nearby South Park neighborhood. She served at Concord International Elementary School, primarily tutoring and mentoring fifth graders. Prior to City Year, Ms. Brosas attended Whitman College where she majored in Race and Ethnic Studies. A Seattle native, Ms Brosas is excited to join the Rainier Prep community to learn alongside her students and fellow staff.

IndiEkanayake

8th Grade Science Teacher

Mr. Ekanayake (Mr. E for short) is a happy new arrival in the Pacific Northwest. His previous teaching and instructional coaching experience was primarily in North Philadelphia, and he brings experience and passion for culturally responsive teaching and inquiry-based science instruction to Rainier Prep. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Health Management and from the University of Pennsylvania with a MS in Education. Mr. E is excited to work alongside passionate, intelligent, and dedicated colleagues in pursuit of the best possible educational outcomes for our students.

KrystelFerris

Student Support Specialist

Ms. Ferris is originally from New Jersey and moved to Seattle two years ago. For the past two years she was serving with City Year, an Americorps program, where she worked with 4th graders at Highland Park Elementary in West Seattle. She attended Hofstra University in New York where she studied elementary education and plans on continuing her path to a degree this year. She is extremely excited to join the Rainier Prep team and work and learn with students who live in her neighborhood!

DavidFleming

7th Grade Math Teacher

Mr. Fleming, originally from San Francisco, has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 2010. He studied Music and Psychology at Whitman College and was heavily involved in student affairs at Whitman, several music groups on campus, and the local education scene in Walla Walla. After school, he dabbled in the technology scene in Seattle before moving to a full time role as an Associate Teacher at Rainier Prep.
Mr. Fleming is excited to return as the STEM Inquiry teacher for the 2016-2017 school year, in addition to being enrolled as a M.Ed. Candidate at the University of Washington. He is passionate about working to provide opportunities to the students he serves and is thrilled to be a part of the Rainier Prep team!

LynetteKehoe

5th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Ms. Kehoe is returning to Seattle after completing her M.S.Ed. in elementary education at the University of Pennsylvania.She is originally from Rochester, NY and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Allegheny College.Before moving to Philadelphia to attend Penn for her master’s, Ms. Kehoe lived in Seattle for two years where she served with Americorps at Highland Park Elementary School.During her time at Highland Park, she found her passion for teaching literacy to young readers and writers. Providing students in the South Seattle area with a rigorous, college access focused education at Rainier Prep will be an exciting opportunity to put her teaching philosophy into action.

MorganKrieger

Dean of Students

Ms. Krieger is a Pacific Northwest native and is happy to be home after living and working for many years on the East Coast. For the past five years, she has taught in a high-performing charter school in Washington, DC serving a diverse student population. As a teacher in an Expeditionary Learning school, Ms. Krieger brings an inquiry and service-based mind to the classroom. She graduated from Colgate University with a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Students and Religion and from Trinity Washington University with a Masters in Teaching. Ms. Krieger is eager to support middle school students in their journey to excellence in academics and leadership.

ShaunaLarson

Student Support Specialist

Coming from a center focusing on Autism clinical services, training and research, Ms. Larson is excited to be back in the school environment. Ms. Larson earned degrees in Psychology and Spanish at Scripps College in Claremont California. After graduation, Ms. Larson returned home to Seattle to work at a local independent school in Global programs and the Office of Diversity and Community. Ms. Larson received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington, and is thrilled to join the dynamic learning community at Rainier Prep this year!

ShakariLige

8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Miss Lige is excited to start her journey here in the Pacific Northwest. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Miss Lige holds a BA in Education and a MA in Reading Education from Bowling Green State University. After college, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio and taught middle school science and language arts for three years. She returned to her hometown and taught 6th through 8th grade science for two years. Miss Lige is happy she has the opportunity to teach language arts again and honored to be apart of the Rainier Prep community!

ShannonMoe

Dean of College Success

Ms. Moe loved growing up in the Pacific Northwest! After high school in Mill Creek, WA she earned degrees in Biology and Economics from the University of Washington. Post-graduation, Ms. Moe served in Paraguay, South America for 2+ years as a Peace Corps Volunteer. There she reignited her passion for education and moved on to earn an M.Ed from Harvard. She returned home to teach Biology and AVID at Federal Way H.S. for six years where she became a National Board Certified teacher. She joined the Rainier Prep team in 2015 and is excited for her new role as Dean of College Success. She looks forward to partnering with local schools, staff, families, and community members to build an incredible support program for students as they transition to high school.

NoraWhite

6th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. White is thrilled to be back in the Seattle area after spending the past few years living in Minnesota. After graduating from Carleton College with a degree in Mathematics, most recently, Ms. White has been working as an academic coach for high school students in St. Paul who will be first-generation college graduates. She is excited to be able to work with the students, families, and staff at Rainier Prep, who share her belief that education is a pathway to success.

BrieWattier

6th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Ms. Wattier is a born and raised Seattle native. She grew up on the eastside toward the mountains and then moved to Seattle where she studied Child and Adolescent Psychology and Drama at the University of Washington.
Ms. Wattier is thrilled to return to Rainier Prep and share her passion of art with the 6th and 7th grade students and continue working alongside such a talented staff.

FloraWeeks

6th Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Weeks grew up in Seattle and is excited to once again live in the city and region she loves. Through teaching and curriculum writing for the Island School in The Bahamas she developed a passion for project- and place-based education, practices which she is excited to continue. Ms. Weeks has also spent time living and teaching in China, Thailand, Maine, and California. In 2017, she had so much fun teaching 5th grade science at Rainier Scholars that she was inspired to join Rainier Prep. Ms. Weeks holds a BA in Environmental Geology from Middlebury College and an MA in Education from Stanford University. She is also a golfer, dancer, knitter, hiker, and devoted Mariners fan.

AllisonRobbins

6th & 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

After a five-year hiatus on the east coast, Ms. Robbins is thrilled to be back in the Pacific Northwest and honored to be a member of the Rainier Prep team! Ms. Robbins graduated from the University of Southern California and has spent the years following teaching Social Studies and English-Language Arts at the middle school level in Charlotte, North Carolina and Brooklyn, New York. She is so excited to partner with the Rainier Prep community in the pursuit of educational equity in the greater Seattle area and can't wait for the upcoming year!

John Masla

7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Mr. Masla is happy to be back in the Seattle area where he grew up. He spent the past two and half years teaching abroad, first in Bornean Malaysia on an English Teaching Assistantship with the Fulbright Program, and most recently in Rome, Italy. Before leaving the U.S., he studied History at Whitman College in beautiful Eastern Washington. He looks forward to joining the Rainier Prep community and contributing to his students’ curiosity and intellectual growth.

Perry Anderson

7th Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Anderson is thrilled to be a part of the Rainier Prep team! After spending the past two years teaching in Jaipur, India and serving with AmeriCorps as a 4th grade teacher in New York City, Ms. Anderson is excited to be returning to the beautiful state of Washington. Ms. Anderson holds a BA from Whitman College in Sociology-Environmental Studies and is a Minnesota native.

RennGutierrez

5th Grade Math Teacher

Mr. Gutierrez (or Mr. G) is originally from a small town called Fowler, CA. He went to UCLA (Go Bruins!) in Los Angeles, CA and moved up to Seattle to serve as an AmeriCorps Member with City Year Seattle/King County. He served in a 3rd grade classroom at Highland Park Elementary School, and then served for a second year as a Team Leader at Highland Park Elementary School. He is so excited to be joining the Rainier Prep team as a 5th grade math teacher, and can't wait to support students in learning and loving mathematics.

Dinorah Flores

Learning Specialist

Dinorah Flores is of Mexican and Salvadorian background, she grew up in south Seattle and found that the majority of her learning happened in community settings, through volunteer work, and organizations. She double majored in Community Psychology and Culture Literature and The Arts from the University of Washington, Bothell. She is currently working on her MA through the University of New Mexico. Ms. Flores believes in the power of people-centered community development and sustainability, and finds that her work as a teacher makes that possible. Ms. Flores is happy to join the Rainier Prep team and to serve the families and communities that make our school a wonderful place to learn. She is committed to the mission of preparing strong college ready students that will lead in their fields and communities.

OmarJimenez

5th & 7th Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Jimenez was born and raised in New York City where he attended Long Island University earning his BA in Sport Science and a minor in Inclusive Fitness. Before journeying to Seattle Mr. Jimenez worked in Harlem as a Dean communicating with parents and helping students succeed in their school environment. He has worked with children all over New York City as a Para-professional, Afterschool Instructor and Camp Counselor. Mr. Jimenez is excited to bring his passion of health and fitness to scholars at Rainier Prep.

SamanthaShotwell

Learning Specialist

Ms. Shotwell is loving being back in her home state after residing in Philadelphia for the past two years. A PNW native, she grew up in the Puget Sound region and attended the University of Washington. It was here that her interest in local politics grew, and became centered upon equal and quality access to public education. After graduating from the UW with a degree in Political Science, and minor in Education, Learning, and Society, she went on to achieve her M.S.Ed. in General and Special Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught as a Special Educator in West Philadelphia during her time in PA, and she is so excited to bring her passion for teaching and education equality to Rainier Prep!

TaylorWilliams

8th Grade Algebra 1 Math Teacher

Mr. Williams grew up in Ohio, where he attended the Ohio State University. He earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Mr. Williams began his teaching career in Federal Way, teaching a full range of high school math and computer science courses. Before joining the team at Rainier Prep, Mr. Williams taught middle school math and computer science in Kent. He is passionate about helping all students build confidence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Mr. Williams is thrilled to be able to work with this year’s first graduating class of 8th graders from Rainier Prep. In his free time, Mr. Williams loves hiking, camping, and photography.

John Kim

6th & 8th Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Kim honorably served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years. He graduated from Columbia University and was one of the founding teachers at Democracy Prep Endurance Public Charter School in East Harlem. He is very excited to join the Rainier Prep team and start a new Physical Education program that is inclusive and rigorous.

SamBassong

Associate Teacher

Mr. Bassong is excited to join Rainier Prep's dream team and it's commitment to supporting all students on their path to college success and leadership roles. A native of Cameroon, he appreciates the challenges faced by many of our students and looks forward to helping guide our budding leaders on their path to success. Mr. Bassong recently settled in western Washington after living in Nevada for a decade, where he obtained a B.S. in Biology from Nevada State College and worked as a microbiologist. He is an avid enthusiast of our wonderfully biodiverse national parks, and enjoys soccer, cooking, and science outreach as hobbies.

NickieSnoderly

5th & 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Snoderly moved to Seattle this summer and is excited to be apart of the team at Rainier Prep. She was born in Spokane, raised in the Midwest, and has spent the last decade in Idaho. She graduated with a B.A in European History from Boise State University, and Master’s of Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation from Northwest Nazarene University in 2016. She has taught World History at a local middle school for several years. She is passionate about bringing history alive and providing opportunities for students to build their problem solving and inquiry based skills to build a successful future.

Sarah Wheeler

Student Support Counselor

Sarah Wheeler joins the Rainier Prep team as a Student Support Counselor with Seneca Family of Agencies. Ms. Wheeler holds an Associate’s Degree in Math and Science from Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA and a Bachelor's Degree in Community Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. From coaching soccer and sailing to classroom teaching and educational program coordination, Ms. Wheeler has worked with K-12 students, college students, and adults. Ms. Wheeler is committed to providing individualized support to the students she works with to make education accessible to all.

JohnRios

Student Support Counselor

John is a Student Support Counselor with Seneca Family of Agencies, and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Rainier Prep Community. Born and raised amidst the agricultural-rich fields of the Central Valley California, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and Illustration from San Jose State University. His professional experience is diverse as it is broad. In addition to having an extensive portfolio in the Graphic Design industry, Mr. John has also been a mentor, counselor, and art/martial arts instructor--working with at-risk youth, families in crisis, and adults and children with special needs. He was a founding enrichment
teacher at KIPP: King Collegiate High School in San Lorenzo California, introducing Visual Art, Design, and Kempo Karate to 9th Grade students. His free time often involves old Kung Fu movies, art-making, journaling, and teaching his son how to perfect the Crane Stance.

HeatherMcKey

English Language Teacher

Heather McKey is happy to bring 25 years of teaching experience to Rainier Prep. She loves that this school is focused on building a community of supportive and successful learners, and she is excited to work with faculty who are driven by their desire to create positive change in the Seattle area. After graduating from Princeton University, Ms McKey returned home to Seattle where she has taught English language learners in both public and private schools. She has also taught overseas in Prague, Czech Republic and in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Heather is inspired by the stories and curiosity her students bring with them every day, and she is passionate about helping them to learn the skills to share their stories and explore new ideas. When not teaching, Heather spends time with her family exploring the rivers and mountains of Washington State and reading good books. She and her son volunteer as Beach Naturalists for the Seattle Aquarium, showing others the wonderful world of creatures that share our beaches with us.

Dolores Bernal Ortiz

Kitchen Manager

Dolores Bernal Ortiz is the kitchen manager at Rainier Prep. She enjoys being around students, staff and volunteers in our community. Ms. Dolores is the proud mother of three children - one in middle school, one in high school and one in college. She is a founding family of Rainier Prep and strongly believes in our school’s mission of preparing all students to excel at four- year colleges and to become leaders in their community.

AnnaCasey

School Psychologist

Dr. Anna grew up on the foggy coast of California and has adopted the Pacific Northwest as her home. As a school psychologist with Seneca Family of Agencies, her goal is to support teachers and administrators in making school accessible to and supportive of all learners, particularly those with disabilities or who have experienced trauma. She earned her BA in psychology from Reed College and her PhD in School Psychology from UC Berkeley. She has worked at Rainier Prep since its first year, and is thrilled to be a part of its community of dedicated staff and driven scholars.